Sports
Within a context reflecting his high status and appreciation for his great contributions, the University of Buenos Aires has taken an official decision to award prominent Argentine star Lionel Messi an honorary doctorate named Doctor Honoris Causa, making it the highest honorary rank presented by the prestigious academic institution to a public figure. In a related context, the university presidency confirmed that the Higher Council unanimously approved this well-deserved coronation, in gratitude for his exceptional sporting career and his active role in representing his country in the best possible way. The ceremony for handing over this academic degree is scheduled to take place next Tuesday, the sixth of October, just a few hours before he plays his historic farewell match with the national team against Benin at the famous Monumental Stadium. The academic institution explained through the announced decision's rationale that Messi's long journey represents a true icon of excellence, perseverance, and modesty, alongside a deep ethical commitment to representing the homeland, a set of values that the administration is keen to instill and spread among the rising generations. For his part, University President Ricardo Gelpi drew attention to the fact that this honor is not limited solely to the records and unique achievements the player accomplished on the green rectangle, but goes beyond that to emphasize his prominent role as a true ambassador for popular culture and national identity for Argentina in various international forums. Alongside this, the university reviewed bright milestones from the player's eventful journey with the Tango dancers, which culminated in winning the Copa America twice in 2021 and 2024, the Finalissima in 2022, the World Cup in the same year, in addition to reaching the 2026 World Cup final. This honorary celebration coincides with the anticipated match against Benin, which represents the final stop of Messi's international career after a journey that spanned over twenty years since his first appearance in the white and sky-blue shirt. Reports issued by the Argentine News Agency indicated that the legendary player will enter this exceptional confrontation fortified with a rich record of historical figures, as he is the national team's all-time top scorer with one hundred and twenty-five goals, in addition to topping the list of assist providers with sixty-eight decisive passes, and participating in two hundred and seven official international matches.
